Dumped Docker has run with Dogs

Dumped Docker has run with Dogs - The West Australian

Dumped Fremantle midfielder Nick Lower has today started training with the Western Bulldogs despite the Dockers indicating they would return him to their list next month.

Lower was contracted for 2013 but the Dockers de-listed him before the national draft. Since that time, they agreed to terms with contracted forward Jack Anthony for him to be de-listed and defender Adam McPhee retired, leaving the club with vacancies on the list.

Lower and Jesse Crichton were invited to continue training with the team but Lower decided to return to South Australia to discuss his future with his family and speak to other clubs.

The Western Bulldogs offered Lower the chance to train and they will have selections before Fremantle in the upcoming pre-season and rookie drafts. The Dogs' List Manager Jason McCartney previously worked at Fremantle.

Lower's brother and manager, Ed Lower, said the onballer wanted to give himself more options.

"He's been at Freo for two years so they know what type of player he is," Ed Lower told thewest.com.au

"When you've been de-listed, you've got to branch out a little bit and get your name out there and get under the watchful eye of another senior coach. That's what Nick wanted to do and that's what we thought was the best thing for him. Hopefully come the pre-season draft, his name is called out."

Lower played 22 games for Fremantle after previously playing 20 matches for Port Adelaide. His 2012 season was interrupted by injury.